Orthodontic issues are very common—almost no one has naturally perfect teeth. Malocclusion, often referred to as a “bad bite,” can affect chewing, oral hygiene, speech, and the overall appearance of your smile. It may arise from various factors, including genetics, thumb sucking, dental diseases, poor oral hygiene, accidents, birth defects, or other medical conditions. The good news is that orthodontic care can effectively address these challenges, enhancing both oral health and self-confidence.
Understanding the specific orthodontic issue affecting you or your child is an essential first step toward achieving a healthier, more functional smile. Orthodontic treatment with Dr. Alexis Polczynski can improve both your bite’s functionality and your smile’s aesthetics, ensuring long-lasting results.
Below, we outline some of the most common orthodontic problems and how they can impact you.
Upper Front Teeth Protrusion
This condition affects both the appearance and function of your teeth. It occurs when the upper teeth extend too far forward, or when the lower teeth do not extend far enough forward, leading to an imbalanced bite.
Overbite
An overbite happens when the upper front teeth extend significantly over the lower front teeth. In severe cases, this overlap can cause the lower teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth, leading to discomfort and potential long-term complications.
Crossbite
In a crossbite, the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth. This misalignment can interfere with proper jaw function, potentially causing uneven jaw growth. Additionally, it may impact tooth position, potentially causing damage to the tooth and surrounding gum tissue.
Underbite
An underbite occurs when the lower jaw extends forward, causing the lower front teeth to sit ahead of the upper front teeth. This misalignment can interfere with both chewing and facial aesthetics.
Open bite
An open bite occurs when the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap, leaving a gap when the mouth is closed. This condition can impact proper chewing and may encourage habits like tongue thrusting, which can worsen the issue over time.
Spacing
Spacing issues occur when there are noticeable gaps between teeth. These gaps may be caused by missing teeth or may simply be a cosmetic concern that affects the overall harmony of your smile.
Crowding
Crowding happens when there isn’t enough space for teeth to erupt correctly from the gums. There are many potential treatments for crowding, but the best option is determined on a case-by-case basis.
